9 ways you can be more productive

We can all think of that one person who always seems to stay on top of things. That person that seems to get everything done without having a problem.

Well, being productive doesn't come naturally to everyone. It can take practise and small changes that are specific to each person. Staying motivated and productive can be difficult at the best of times, and the last year has certainly not been an exception.

I have picked up some tips that have helped me be more productive over the years and I want to share these, in hopes that they will be helpful to some of you too.

1. Write a to-do-list

Whether you prefer mind-maps, checklists, or post-it notes, physically writing down what you need to do is a great way to visualise and have a permanent reminder.

I like to start by brain-dumping my big goals (like an assignment or a job application). I then start to break them down into smaller tasks that I need to complete to achieve the bigger goal.

Having these smaller tasks laid out helps you to think clearly and tackle one thing at a time. This can help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by all of your end goals and also saves time thinking about what needs doing.

I also find ticking off tasks as they are completed to be rewarding and a reminder of how far you are in reaching your goal.

2. Set SMART goals

Setting yourself goals isn't always easy, and can often leave you feeling just as stressed as you were to start with. One tip I find useful is thinking about SMART goals. Now, you might have heard of this one before, here it is:

Specific – Ask yourself what it is that you want to achieve and what you need to do to get there. Make sure you consider the where, who and what you need to complete it.

Measurable – How much, how many, etc. - how will you know when it is accomplished? For example, completing several training courses before being qualified for your dream job.

Attainable – How can you reach it? Make sure it is not impossible to achieve.

Realistic – Based on the time you have to complete it and resources available to you; e.g. money, location, age, or experience.

And finally, time-based – When will you be able to achieve this?

3. Find your working zone –

There is no right or wrong when it comes to how you work best. Some people are early-risers and thrive doing things first thing in the morning. Others prefer in the evening or at the end of their day.

If you're like me, then you better work alone, making sure you stay concentrated whereas others benefit from the support of a group of friends.

Find out what works best for you and plan a routine that will maximise your productivity. There is no point forcing yourself to do something in a place or time where your head is not in the game.

4. Take breaks regularly

Allowing yourself to take breaks when completing tasks is so important, especially in a time where most of us are sitting at a desk for hours a day.

Taking a breather now and then is not going to dramatically affect anything but in fact will boost your productivity.

Go for a walk, have lunch away from your desk or go and have a chat with your family. We all need breaks.

5. Remind yourself of the bigger picture

A great tip is to list all the things that you have already achieved and completed. Or if you have followed my first tip, you can look over all the things you have already ticked off. This way you can give yourself that boost to say, 'you're already halfway there'.

It's so easy to focus on what is yet to be done and get overwhelmed by stress, therefore doubting your ability to finish.

6. Small chunks of work are better than no work at all

I know all too well, the feeling of having so much to do and not being able to get it done.

You might find that once you have started your work, completing it will seem that little bit easier as you have overcome the biggest hurdle of all. You might even finish the task there and then, or you made it that little bit easier for when you next pick it up.

Pushing yourself to do even just a little bit will make you feel accomplished and more positive about what you need to do.

7. Leave your phone out of sight

Picture this: You're sitting at your desk and you can see the light on your phone pop up from across the room. You start thinking about whether that email you have been waiting for has come through or if your friend has sent you something funny on Instagram. You cave. Half an hour goes by and you realise you have been scrolling through cute pet videos with the task at hand out of sight.

We've all been there. So how can you stay focused? Turn your phone over so you can't see the screen, leave it in the other room, or even turn it off and leave it downstairs if you have to. This way you will be that little bit more concentrated and less likely to be distracted.

8. Can't find the motivation to work? Complete your hardest task first

The hardest task is always the easiest one to put off until a week has flown by and you're screwed.

Most of the time, when I spend so long working myself up about a particular task, I find that if I just got on with it in the first place, I would have felt so much better. Next time you feel like this, try completing the task you view as the hardest first and see if you feel better once it's done.

This can also give you a confidence boost and helps you power through the other tasks that seem way easier.

9. Allow yourself a day to rest

I just want to finish this off by saying, do not put too much pressure on yourself.

All the tips I have shared with you are great, but if you don't allow yourself to rest and listen when you need a break, chances are you will crash further down the line.

When I go through periods where I am powering through my work and doing all these things I need to do, I feel great. The problem is, you can only push yourself so far until you reach exhaustion.

If you take one day off from your schedule, or however much you need, that's completely fine. Putting too much pressure on yourself and always striving for perfection will more than likely end with you feeling overwhelmed.

You can pick yourself up the next day and start fresh once you've allowed yourself to rest. Find a work-life balance that allows you to have some much-needed downtime – whatever that may be.